Living in U.S. gives us plenty to be thankful for

Friday

In the Thanksgiving season, many people make lists of everything for which they are thankful.

There are many things I am thankful for just because I live in a country where I have many rights.

Saudi Arabia has been in the news recently because of women defying the driving ban in their country. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy with a population of 28.29 million people, and Islam is the official religion of the country.

There are many rules Muslims must follow according to the Qur’an. There are rules about speaking to others, looking at others and how to dress. The articles and news stories I have read about Saudi Arabia lately made me realize how fortunate I am to live in the United States.

I am thankful I am able to drive. In Saudi Arabia, women cannot apply for driver’s licenses. Recently, female activists have protested this rule by taking the wheel and posting photos and videos of themselves driving.

I am thankful I am able to write my opinions in this newspaper, however controversial or unpopular they are, without fear of retribution. In Saudi Arabia, the absolute monarchy forbids political protests.

I am thankful I had the chance to travel around the world for six months and have a multitude of amazing experiences volunteering on six different continents. Saudi Arabian women are not allowed to travel abroad.

I am thankful for my opportunities. I can drive anywhere I want, get a job and open a bank account. To get a job or open a bank account, women in Saudi Arabia must get permission from a male relative.

I am thankful I live in the United States, where the “rags-to-riches” man or woman is possible and the “American Dream” is important. Throughout our country’s history, people have risen above their challenging situations and reinvented themselves. I am so lucky to live in a place where people are always working to improve racial and gender equality.

This Thanksgiving season, when everyone is saying what they are grateful for, remember all the opportunities and freedoms our country offers us. I hope people realize how privileged we are just to be able to express our opinions freely and practice whatever beliefs we choose.

The United States strives to be an egalitarian country — and that is something to truly appreciate.

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